Topic: apps for bitcoin security? (Read 271 times)

If you're going to 'let your Bitcoins sleep in your wallet', then you better ensure that the wallet is an offline/cold wallet, it is great if you don't use an exchange wallet, but instead you use a non-custodial wallet, but if the wallet is online it can be hacked, that is why the wallet should be offline in a hardware wallet.
Because it is inevitable for people to surf the internet, but it is also imperative that they surf the internet on a different device from the one they use for crypto activities.

Don't use your daily internet shit devices, especially not your mobile phone, for cryptocoin stuff unless your wallets there only hold small amounts like what you would cary around on normal days in your fiat wallet. Use a dedicated computer preferably with Linux or maybe MacOS for your hot software wallet. I strongly encourage you to use a decent hardware wallet as those protect your wallet's private keys far better than any hot software wallet ever could (it can't!). A well executed and implemented cold wallet offers same security as a hardware wallet but a hardware wallet is usually much more convenient to use.

And by hardware wallet I don't talk about the Ledger crap. There are better alternatives on the market, except if you're a shitcoiner.

Sometimes I wonder why people need to visit random websites where they might see some ads and get attracted to them. Most of the ads are fake on the internet. I don't dare to try any new service until I see reliable feedback from many people. I assume OP is talking about his smartphone, where he might install some random apps that may steal data from the device.

In this case, an ad-blocker won't help him. He should ensure he is not installing any unnamed apps that may steal data from his devices. Even verified apps on Play Store/App Store can steal data from the device. A person should be careful when he permits some apps. If I install a Camera app, it may ask for storage and mic permission, but if it asks for location and contact list permission or something else, that's weird. If someone is good enough with how to operate his device and cares about security, they are good to go.

I don't know about others but what I believe is that an antivirus makes our system slower because it keeps scanning for viruses frequently.
Also, downloading antivirus from unofficial sources would likely get you more viruses in your system.
If you still want to install an antivirus I would recommend you Malwarebytes because it is light and efficient and gets the job done.
Adblock and ublock are to block ads on a page. I have installed ublock and ghostery and use Duckduckgo to improve privacy and stay on safer side.

OP, do you keep your Bitcoins on your mobile phone? or wallet application on your phone? know it is very risky.
maybe you are better off buying a hardware wallet to store your Bitcoins.
actually, you don't need additional applications to protect your browser as long as you don't connect your wallet to an obscure website. Bookmark the websites that you use frequently. sometimes people can be careless when clicking on advertising links in search engines. be wise in using and connecting your device. many cases of wallet hacking are not due to a bad wallet security system. but the user's error is careless.

There is no app that guarantees security, not even the antivirus (btw Windows' built-in antivirus is as good as any third-party one). I can suggest installing a noscript add-on for browser to disable Javascript by default and then turn it back on only for the sites you trust. This can help mitigate certain attacks, but only if you don't turn it on manually, which you will do a lot, because modern Internet doesn't work without JS.

If you are using smartphone than I would try to use minimal amount of apps possible, and try to get phone that supports installing open source operating system like GrapheneOS or something similar.
For computers I would switch to LinuxOS that has much lower risk of getting malware infections, and you won't have to install any antivirus software.
Using secondary aigrapped devices is also good for improved security and this can be hardware wallets, diy devices, laptops or old smartphones.

I believe the internal security in your phone or gadget is enough to protect whatever hot wallet you've got.. but, it's even more riskier to HODL and store BTC with online wallets...
Cold storage would do a good job as very many security measures might only end you up in downloading and installing a wrong app with a malicious data analysis... One more step to make things more secure and your coins are gone for life!! Be careful. I don't believe the apple store actually gives entire restrictions per review on every malicious app - especially for the unknown ones.

Sandra 🧑‍🦰

If you are only talking about app anti-virus and adblock is the right choice, upgrade to a more premium anti-virus if you got some money. If your bitcoin wallet has 2FA support use it. Other than that, all you can do is basic thing such as not installing suspicious 3rd party app moreover if you are download it from appstore/playstore. If you want to get the ultimate security the best thing to do is actually buying a hardware wallet. 

Maybe some will say that any AV is better than none, but from my personal experience this is simply not true, because some such programs are not only useless, but also spy on you and sell your data to whoever pays more. Therefore, take into account that a good AV+firewall has its price, but that price is small if you consider the possible damage that such software can protect you from. Malwarebytes Premium with several proactive protections is certainly a good security supplement.

Additionally, if you want more privacy and security, it is recommended that you read the following article -> Link

All you need is a wallet; if it's not a hardware wallet, let it be, Electrum. Download it only from the official site, add to favorites, https://electrum.org, and after downloading, check the GPG signature anyway. Next, you need to store your seed phrase in a safe place, write it down, and save it there so that no one can get to it. In no case, do not trust storage either on a computer or on a phone, as well as in archives and cloud storage.
In addition, learn how to use Linux systems; do not trust the Windows systems, so that they do not talk about their reliability. Having understood the advantages of using Linux, you will immediately understand all the inconveniences of Windows.
Don't trust the Chrome browser. Download Firefox for yourself, and don't make a Christmas tree out of your browser by installing a bunch of extensions. uBlock Origin will save you from unnecessary ads.
Do not trust short links; do not open links in your mail from unverified people; and always check if you insert the wallet address correctly when making transactions.
In fact, all the advice that was given by users boils down to one thing: the best application for saving your money is in your hands. And it's called "Attention". If your computer is related to finances, forget about games and entertainment on it or social networks that promise a lot of temptations. Split your hard drive in two, if necessary, and set the system purely for finance.

Exactly. For me installing apps are not necessary anymore as long as you’re knowledgeable enough not to put your bitcoin at any centralized exchange at an indefinite time. Have your own non-custodial wallet and let your bitcoin sleep there for long. And be responsible enough not to disclose any of your seed phrase because once you lost it, your bitcoin will be put at high risk.

If you're using Windows, which is quite likely, Windows Defender and AdBlock should be sufficient for most of your regular online activities. However, if you're not security-conscious and engage in risky behaviors like clicking on random links or opening attachments from unverified sources, no security tool can offer 100% protection.

My personal approach is all about prevention rather than fighting threats. I recommend isolating essential tasks on your computer from everyday use. Virtual systems can be helpful if you don't have multiple physical machines. Additionally, keep your main wallet offline, so it's not exposed to online threats. Taking these steps can help minimize potential threats and keep your funds safe.

Locking your phone or wallet with password or applocks does not guarantee security to your wallet because they lock you're using are only protecting your device from another user having access to your wallet or apps but when they have access to your private keys or seedphrase alone, they can steal your coins and have access to your wallet without them using any password since they can use those keys and seeds to import your wallet on any device as long as they are not using your own device, in case of using other devices as well for protecting apps, ve careful not to introduce malwares from any unreliable source, you can make use of password or 2FA for security measures.

Don't depend too much on security apps. Just find a trusted security apps that will help secure your device like ad blockers and more. If you want to store your bitcoin safely then buy a hardware wallets though it will cost you and if you cannot afford to buy yet then better use open source wallet and non-custodial wallet so you have access to make a backup of your wallet. You can also use a browser like tor and better have more than one device to use for other matters.

Now it's quite common for data theft to occur through applications in the .APK format that are sent, as if they were official applications sent via WA, such as invitations, PDF files, checking delivery services and others. The .APK application is malware that will infect the target cellphone and which aims to steal all data when it is installed. and using disposable emails for random sites seems like a good idea, so that the main email doesn't always receive malicious Spam messages.
As well as for wallet applications such as trust wallets, it is better to use a new wallet if you want to connect with new Dapps so the risk of being hacked is very small. make sure the main wallet is not connected to any Dapps, because currently theft is rife with the Drainned and Dusting methods. using an antivirus might help a little, but it's not completely.

No app can prevent your Bitcoin from getting stolen if you open malicious files you receive in your emails or in Discord, like PDF files, RAR files, docx files.
Avoid submitting your email address in random websites, there is basically no free money in this world. I use a disposable email for purposes of trying software's or accessing websites which require you to confirm email. And If we are talking about connecting to Dapps, prefer using your phone with wallets like Trustwallet or Uniswap Wallet.

I guess you are seeking for  Windows apps  as Linux itself is secure enough to be bothered about.

If my assumption is correct and, in addition,  you are technically savvy guy, then OSArmor may help you to achieve better security, It is capable to  "monitor and block suspicious processes behaviors to prevent infections by malware, ransomware, and other threats."

But to use OSArmor successfully you really need to have a good knowledge on processes lying in the core of OS. Otherwise you may end up with dead OS.

The best is to use airgapped devices for security of your funds because there is always a risk when you are connected to internet like clicking on some phising links that have potential to install malware in your systems but this is applicable if you are interested in keeping your funds safe in your custody for a certain period.

The other ways suggested above are also good but you should be careful in your privacy matters and have more extensive research about it like use secure browsers like TOR or configure Firefox with additional security and use 2FA with TOTP format that will help you enhance your security.

Do not depend on apps only for your security, when you have a poor security behavior. With good apps and a poor behavior or attitude to your security, those apps will not still be enough to save you from theft. As you look for apps to help your security improve, also seek knowledge that will improve your consciousness on security, so that when you get apps, you will be assured of more security. Also many people have downloaded the wrong thing that caused problem for them while they were looking to download good apps that are useful, download any app suggested to you from the appropriate source, so you do not download problem.

I don't know if all these antivirus brands can keep me safe better because for me it's not that important even though some people use paid antivirus for their computer security.

The point is that storing bitcoin on the hardware is more than enough for bitcoin security, to avoid malware virus attacks or other types I am more careful in accessing unclear sites, never downloading unclear applications, always checking on a scale every time what is done is safe enough for me, but the full bitcoin is in the hardware wallet.

For your security of wallet ideal to use a hardware wallet so you only have the keys for the safety of your device I'm using a Eset Internet security after I've been experiencing an incident of hacking I tried to upgrade this to make sure all of my information is safe, I'm not promoting eset but they are one of the active software and updated with the virus comes out so it protects your device.Also one of the best I'm using before is the Trend Micro, ideal to use a platform supports a backup features.

Having your Bitcoin in your computer can expose your private keys to key loggers and malware, the antivirus may not even detect that you have such a virus on your computer, and you can lose all your Bitcoin with Adblock and antivirus on your device, it is not the best approach to secure your bitcoin from potential thefts.

There is no maximum security like having your Bitcoin offline from the internet and to that, you need to make use of a hardware wallet to manage your private keys, you only connect the device via Bluetooth or USB when you need to access them.

All you need is an ad-blocker and a pair of good eyes, in order to filter out all the bad results and malware from Google Search advertisements, because that's a common way for a person to lose their funds.

Always keep an eye on your websites and in case you have been suddenly logged out, double-check the domain name to make sure you are not signing into a fake version of the website.

I don't think  you would  actually  need any special apps to stay secure on the space and just as other users have also told you to be very careful  in quest of an app that ensure security  because you might end up being a prey which im very sure you wouldn't want and there was a thread about getting a cyber-security course  to hold bitcoin  or as a bitcoin  holder and I believe you also saw the thread but I don't think any of these are actually necessarily  and what truly matters is that you are using a good wallet and not storing coins on exchanges and so try as much as possible  not to click on random links and you're good to go.

Just use a good wallet and get your seedohrasr backed up and that just do the tricks rather than wanting to install  any app for that as we can't  even trust those apps.

Aside from 2FA apps, you better not download that much if pertains to security because you'll never know that the app you'll download actually contains a malware. That's why if you've got already an anti-virus and the typical apps that you need to have for your work or wallets, there's no need to download a lot.

What you need to do is to work on yourself and be vigilant with the browsing activity that you've been doing with your device. And avoid downloading unusual wallets and those that have description to protect, only your way of browsing and your usage of your device will protect you the most.

Always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) wherever it is possible which is not going to give 100 protection but will act as an added security layer which is always a good thing to have but never choose the Google authenticator for such purpose because we all know how google sucks our privacy.

So there are some open source 2FA apps available

Aegis Authenticator ^{Android, F-droid}
Tofu Authenticator ^iOS

And don't forget to encrypt your files which can be done using encryption software or available as built in feature too on some devices.

You are not 100% safe if you can not prevent malware with knowledge and experience. The way devices are infected is common, it can be through the download of a torrent file, ads (including link ads) and many others. Some malware can be through social app like Telegram if you put it on automatic download. Making sure the sites you visit are legit and not just the one from google search engine. Making sure your device download and app installation should be manually and not automatically. I have heard before that some people that also got malware from porn site they visit.

If you have your bank app, online wallet and exchange accounts on a device, it is good to avoid what I listed above. If your ad blocker is not effective enough, you can download ublock origin browser extension which is still one of the best and performing its work effectively. On such device, use a privacy browser like Tor, Firefox and Duckduckgo (Duckduckgo for Windows and MaxOS are beta and not recommended, but good for Android and iOS). Also privacy search engine like Duckduckgo is better.

If you have large amount of coins, do not use online wallet, use cold wallets like paper wallet or wallet on an airgapped device if you are savvy enough that you know you are doing it correctly. Paper wallets are offline if created on an airgapped device too which makes it secure, generating it online means it is an online wallet. If you are not savvy enough about wallets, you can buy a hardware wallet like Passport for bitcoin which is the best that I can recommend, or Trezor for multicoins.

On online devices, there are still safer approaches like Electrum 2FA wallet and multisig wallet. Your 2FA device should not be on the device that you have the wallet.

Be best application is your fingers and your brain which are necessary to help you having a healthy behavior on Internet and on your devices. It is better than any application because all applications can not protect your devices and your Bitcoin wallets if you simply install apps and do unsafely surfing on Internet.

Find what you need at https://www.privacytools.io/

If looking for a easy-to-install normie app, uBlock origin for safer web browsing. It removes those pesky potentially-scam ads on Google.

Also, knowledge is still the best "app": https://chainsec.io/

If you're looking for more security I'll suggest you learn how to use Linux, and use it instead of the normal Windows OS.

Another thing, if you know you're not careful with the activities you do online like the sites you visit, the type of files you download or from where you're downloading it from then you should consider purchasing a device and dedicate it to just your Bitcoin and some offline activities that way your coin would be secure.
If you intend to be using it frequently then transfer the amount you need to your other device and follow the suggestion of the post above mine i.e use AdBlock, don't download file from unknown source and even when it's from the original source make sure you verify it if I deed it's the genuine one.

The safety of your coins depends majorly on the way you handle your device, the more careless you are with your device the probability of your device getting hacked also increases exponentially.

Be very careful in looking too hard for security apps, you might be compromised if care is not taken, and only a few could be trusted. There is no special app that would help your security other than the antivirus, they have more functions than what their name "antivirus" denotes. Go for the big names with a good reputation.

The best I've used is Norton, they have different plans which include Antivirus Plus, Standard, Deluxe and Select+ Lifelock. I don't think there is any internet security service you desire on your gadget that the Select+ Lifelock package can't provide.

can anyone suggest apps to install to have better security? all i know is antivirus and browser adblock.